Billy Lester News Today

Alex Ariff has big ears. A musician first, he straddles the worlds between performance/songwriting, media production and storytelling. Alex earned his B.A in Music from Florida State University where he fell for all facets of jazz music, history, and culture. He went onto earn his M.A. in Jazz History and Research from Rutgers University-Newark. It was during this time that Alex began working at WBGO, where he currently works as a producer on Jazz Night in America. Outside of WBGO, Alex enjoys l...

Given the pandemic and recent events, Billy Berenholc is not planning on rolling out the balloons and briskets for the 70th anniversary of Lesters Deli.

Jazz Corner of the World Encore   Mondays at 6:00 PM Tribute to Chick Corea, Show 8 Host Craig Kessler continues his chronological look at Chick Corea’s stellar career. This episode begins with material from late 1984 and goes well into the 1990s. We’ll hear a bit more ECM material, as well as from Chick’s Elektric Band … Continue reading

Special Programs for February 1 thru February 6 Short List with host Bob Naujoks Monday – Friday at 8:35 AM and Saturdays at 7 AM Short List: “The Hits” The Short List continues to explore great jazz tunes in the popular mind. Join host Bob Naujoks as he spotlights jazz tunes that also scored high on the pop charts. Hear the songs and stories of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” Natalie & Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable,” Al Jarreau’s “We’re In Th...

Anna Yatskevich / Courtesy of Newvelle Records Public acknowledgment took its time finding Billy Lester. A pianist devoted to searching for a new form of modern jazz, he spent more than half a century on the outskirts of New York City, quietly honing his craft. "I just figured Id go to my grave without any kind of recognition," he says plainly, "and I was at the point in my life where I totally accepted that." The situation changed only a few years ago when Lester was in his early 70s. A ...